By KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – A St. Louis County Council committee will vote on a proposed smoking ban Tuesday that includes some new exemptions.
The Justice and Health Committee will consider a ban that now excludes bars that don't serve food. It also exempts Lambert Airport's smoking lounges, bowling alley lounges and up to half of the gaming areas in casinos.
County Councilman Kurt Odenwald says he spoke with many people concerned about the bill and says he wanted to make changes that were fair but effective.
"I think you are always going to find people that are going to object to it," Odenwald said. "But what I go back to is in the communities that have had this type of smoking restrictions, the business community has thrived, the hospitality trade has thrived, there has not been a reduction in business."
Odenwald he thinks the new version is a good compromise.
He says he's confident the bill will pass out of committee but says he's not sure how the full council votes.